First Impressions

[Lambo FirstBlood]

I've been fortunate enough to have had enough success in business to be able to indulge my passion for cars.

As an addition to the fleet, I have been very close to buying a Phantom drop head for about 9 months but when I tell friends and family, the reactions are completely mixed. Most say go for it. Some think that it gives the wrong impression and is a car hated by a lot of people. Amongst others, I currently have a Murcielago, which I get a lot of good feedback about, but the doubters around me say the Roller is very different in people's perceptions and would generate disdain in others.

I do not come from money and so my family have a hard time getting their head round it.

I recently visited the factory at Goodwood (a fantastic experience and one I can recommend to anyone, regardless of whether you plan on buying a Rolls Royce or not; it's great to see so many people taking pride in producing something of such luxury, especially in Britain.). Whilst I was there, I met a Phantom owner, who like me has owned lots of great cars with not problems but in his Phantom he said that he has had random people call him a wker for no reason and had cigarettes put out on the bonnet!!

Obviously this horrified me and I wondered whether anyone here either owns one and could share their experience or has any input they would care to share even if they don't own one.

I'm not normally bothered with what other people think but this is the first car that has me divided.

I love the car and my heart says buy it and enjoy it and don't worry but I would be grateful for some input before taking the plunge.

Cheers,

LFB

[Balmoral Green]

Get one bought.

And if anyone shouts at you, or puts a fag out on the bonnet, don't forget to smile

(Get the polished stainless bonnet though).

[hdiam1950]

had many rolls royces and can definately tell you that it does bring out the worst in people.however also had many bentleys and this is strangely ok. Harry.

[BarnatosGhost]

the murcielago is a bit daft and has a sense of humour about it and seeing one will cheer people up. The phantom and derivatives have none of that sense of fun and are basically a rolling 'fk off'. For most owners that is largely the point of buying it but you sound rather more pleasant than that.

If you're going to feel sheepish driving it, it won't do for you what luxury cars are supposed to do: make you feel good.

[Lambo FirstBlood]

Thanks for the feedback chaps.

Harry, I've had Bentley's too and never had a problem. I would have thought they were in the same class as Rollers as far as most people are concerned but like you anyone I know who has had both says the Roller is completely different.

I've never known a marque that divides opinion like Rolls Royce.

I'm still on the fence.

Thanks for your comments.

[BarnatosGhost]

for me, purely in image terms, an old rolls royce is warm, atmospheric and comforting for outside observers. A modern rolls royce is cold, rude, dismissive and imperious.

Bentleys are similar, just 30% less in both regards.

[cho]

People probably accept bentleys more because they think it's a footballer driving it. I love the RR phantom drop head because it is jut outrageously big for a two door car! But I do think people will just think you are a showoff rich b*****d because you are driving a Rolls because few footballers drive them! Then again I suppose it depends on where you drive it. Unfortunatley certain cars illicit this type of response no matter what the owner is like.

Personally I would get it because it is what I want and not worry about what other people think. You have worked hard enough to be able to decide what to do with your own money and if others can't be bothered to work so hard then it's their own problem!

[sdmurray]

Oh for goodness sake, you are from Surrey! Plenty of them down there. Don't be swayed by what others think. Do you like it/want one? If so, get it! Personally, I like to have one of each (when affluent enough to do so). If you have both a Rolls-Royce (please, not Roller) and a Bentley then you have options . . . I prefer the Bentley for normal work/evenings out/London driving and the Rolls-Royce for pleasure driving/special occasions/weekends.

[ADP68]

Life's too short to be bothered about what stupid people think of you. If they are vandals then that's really their problem. Enjoy yourself and do what you want with your well earned money. Perhaps you'll be an inspiration to others to work harder. Remember, you are keeping alive the artisan skills of the good folk from Goodwood who would otherwise be on the dole.
Regards
Andy

[TDS670]

I have a Drophead and a Murcielago and have had similar reactions from folks....mostly very very positive. Murcielago gets more "stop and stare" types when you are setting off because of the doors and the noise and the "spacecraft not a car" presence, but mostly people just smile because it is clearly so mad. The Drophead has similar reactions as it is a bit like piloting a big boat down the road..incredible road presence, and unbeatable on long continental journeys...dozens of "bella machina" shouts in Italy and "nice car guv" in London. Only one "ridiculous car" snort from a lady on a bike in London...and yes, she is correct...it is! I'd go for it...it's a wonderful thing, and quite different to the saloon.